Breck Epic organizers launch Eagle bike event

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EAGLE, Colorado - The Greenspeed Project, Inc., organizers of the popular Breck Epic MTB Stage Race, has announce the launch of the inaugural Eagle Outside Festival. Scheduled for May 11-12 in Eagle, the event serves as a showcase for the community's extensive trail network and as a centerpiece for the town's destination tourism marketing effort.

"We've made a-commitment to increase the quality and quantity of our already substantial trail network," said Mayor Yuri Kostick, "We believe that Eagle offers some of the best riding in the Rockies, all-within an easy drive of the Front Range. The Eagle Outside Festival shines a spotlight on what we consider to be a perfect early season riding option for the Colorado mountain biking community."

Described as a "re-envisioning" of Eagle's former Get Out Expo, the new event incorporates many new elements for riders, runners and outdoor enthusiasts. First among them is the inaugural Firebird MTB Race and its counterpart, the women's only Firebird la Femme. Non-USAC sanctioned, the mountain bike events take place on Saturday and Sunday, respectively and collectively boast a $10,000 cash purse with equal payouts for men's and women's-fields.

The festival also features the first annual Rocky Mountain Bike and Outdoor Expo, a demo boasting some of the bike industry's leading brands. Santa Cruz, Pivot, Ibis, Felt, Niner, Specialized, Yeti, Ellsworth, Twenty Two Cycles, Orbea, Wilier, Ridley, BMC and more will be on hand with-their latest models. The free demo invites consumers to test ride their dream rigs all day long on Eagle's signature climbs and descents.

"With three great coffee shops, a very good brewery, some killer Mex, dining options galore and a full grip of trails leading riders from town into the back of beyond, Eagle is sort of an undiscovered secret," says event producer Mike McCormack, "The racing part is obvious, and we're thrilled to have the town's support in offering a sizable purse. The current dynamic as dictated by USA Cycling is universally unpopular - hopefully another great race without their sanction will prompt them to invest additional thought into their recent decision. Then again, maybe it won't."

"The demo is a direct extension of the success we've seen at events like Sea Otter, Interbike and Outerbike," McCormack said. "People love to try the bikes they've only seen reviewed online or in a magazine. Events like these are packed with smiling people. With the industry placing more and more resources into dealer relationship and support demo-type programs, we think we've come pretty close to the mark in terms of offering a great venue along with tremendous energy and critical mass, all during the important early season purchasing period. And besides - what better way to introduce riders to Eagle?"

The event will also offer a no-cost set of Strava Challenges. Riders can test themselves on some of Eagle's signature climbs and descents, trying to best the local hammers and rippers for digital bragging rights.

There's more than just biking, though. New for this year is the Mother of a Half-Marathon, a downhill road marathon that sees competitors finish in the heart of Eagle Ranch. In addition, there will be a 10K longboard push race, a "Chro-Moly Chef" competition, and a wide variety of Mother's Day activities including yoga, spa treatments, flower delivery, special meal offers from local dining spots and much, much more.

For more information on the Eagle Outside Festival, the Rocky Mountain Bike and Outdoor Expo or any of the events held throughout the weekend, visit eagleoutsidefestival.com.